Zach LaVine insists on improving his three-point shot to round his game into form

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan wants Zach LaVine to attempt more three-point shots, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations when off-ball actions or his teammates draw help and force opponents into rotation. He wants LaVine not to worry about distributing to his teammates, especially if DeMar DeRozan draws double teams.

Donovan’s idea is to boost LaVine’s scoring and improve the Bulls’ struggling three-point shooting. The Bulls rank 13th in the NBA in that aspect, making 36.5 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc.

LaVine and the Bulls struggled three against the Pelicans

LaVine followed Donovan’s advice, though he was 3-of-12 in his three-point attempts. The Bulls shot a dismal 7-of-27 (25.9 percent) from beyond the arc.

“As great as he’s been offensively, the one thing he has to try to do for our team is to try to take those catch-and-shoot threes,” Donovan said.

A positive sign was that LaVine slashed to the rim often. He finished 5-of-8 in the paint. However, his 23 points in the game came on an inefficient 9-of-22 from the field, and he attempted just two free throws.

LaVine expects to play more

LaVine has missed four of the Bulls’ 13 games this season -- they are 1-3 in those games. Judging by his recent performances and what he’s been saying, LaVine believes he could play more.

“I try to play as much as I can. That’s what I say,” LaVine said on Monday. “Until we get to a point where we can figure out what is the best-case scenario, back-to-backs are going to be a little in the air. But I felt good. And I felt even better today. I wish I played yesterday and tried to make up for it today.”

The two-time All-Star is averaging 22 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 33.7 minutes over nine games. He’s shooting 43.6 percent from the field.

While LaVine has admitted to not being 100 percent coming off left knee surgery, he’s been aggressive, looking for ways to contribute when he plays.